All-Inclusive Resorts & Destination Wedding Packages

Most all-inclusive resorts offer set wedding packages that include symbolic ceremony, private cocktail hour, and private reception.

You typically get a fixed menu plus an open bar at these. Essential decor and setup is included too.

A wedding planner and day-of coordinator to help you with the arrangements, bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere are also included. The more premium the package, the more you get, like music, a small cake, a champagne toast, and upgraded decor.

In Mexico, an all-inclusive destination wedding generally ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. In the Dominican Republic, it’s usually between $3,000 and $5,000, and in Jamaica, it’s roughly $3,500 to $6,000 for a group of 30-50 guests.

The final costs depend on factors like your choice of resort and venue, your wedding package, the number of guests you’re hosting, and the additional services you opt for.

In short, yes, all-inclusive destination weddings are way cheaper, and you get a vacation with your loved ones out of it too!

For context, the average wedding in the U.S. cost around $33,000 in 2024, up from $29,000 in 2023, according to The Knot. On the other hand, destination wedding packages in Mexico or the Caribbean fall between $3,000 and $12,000.

Add to that the couple’s flight and accommodation costs and you still end up saving anywhere from $16,000 to $20,000 compared to hosting the same celebrations back home.

Yes, some resorts do offer “free wedding packages” but it depends on your booking.

For example, you are eligible for a free wedding when you book a certain number of nights or rooms, and if your wedding group is small, say 10 guests or less. These free packages usually include the ceremony essentials, and you can customize from there.

Just keep in mind that most free packages come with restrictions like limited venue options or set ceremony times. Anything beyond these will come with an additional cost.

100%! These all-inclusive wedding packages are more like starting points.

The resorts are offering you a base on which you can build your dream wedding. You can add décor, swap flowers, choose different menus, and book private events.

Or you can even opt for an à la carte wedding that’s tailored to your preferences. But these ones don’t come cheap. So instead, a lot of our couples choose a base and then add any of the extras the want on top of it.

Most couples, around 98%, tend to do the legal part back home. And then they have a symbolic ceremony because it’s easier and avoids paperwork.

Legal ceremonies require documents, translations, blood tests in some countries, and extra fees. A symbolic ceremony looks exactly the same, but it removes the administrative procedure and paperwork!

When you say a regular package, we’re assuming you’re referring to a package at a non-all-inclusive resort that may only include the ceremony space, meaning everything else costs extra.

An all-inclusive wedding package automatically includes food, drinks, essential décor, staff, and sometimes perks and discounts for the wedding couple and guests.

Ideally, 12 to 18 months in advance. Even 12 months is cutting it too close, so giving it more than a year is always better.

Booking early helps you land popular venues, and gives your guests time to get good room rates. If you’re in a pinch, 10 months can still work, but just be ready for fewer options and limited availability.

It really depends on how many guests you’re inviting. But based on our experience, about 30-40% usually can’t make it, even when you give everyone plenty of time to plan. And if the notice is shorter, we’ve seen around half of the guest list drop out.

This one depends on your vision and how you want your wedding to look and feel. If budget is a concern, the decor that’s included in your all-inclusive wedding package could do just fine.

Most couples keep the included decor and then pay for extra ceremony floral arrangements or upgraded chairs for the reception. And if budget’s not a major concern, we’ve seen couples splurge on items that impact photos and the atmosphere.

So they spend more on floral arrangements, aisle décor, lighting, a private reception, a DJ/live music, a lit-up dance floor, and fireworks!